Odyssey of the Mind — or OM — challenges students to work together and solve problems using critical thinking methods. Each team must select from one of five problems on odysseyofthemind.com. Options range from designing gadgets to performing a skit within a given period.

Rock, 18, and her team of mostly seniors must build a structure that can support a certain weight — using just balsa wood and glue.

"You can't solve the problem any ordinary way," she said. "It has definitely taught us to look at things from a different perspective."

The second team, which comprises younger high school students, must script a skit involving a documented architectural structure and at least two musical performances.

"During the play, there are three works of art that are stolen and are recovered by two characters," Thornton, 16, said.

In their journey, the characters must return the items to the rightful place, he said.